Eugene Whelan

Eugene Francis Whelan was a Canadian farmer and Liberal politician who served as Canada's Minister of Agriculture from 1972 to 1979 and again from 1980 to 1984, longer than almost any other person to hold the post. Known for his trademark green stetson hat and outspoken advocacy for farmers, he also served as president of the United Nations World Food Council from 1983 to 1985, giving him an international platform on food policy. He sat in the House of Commons of Canada from 1962 to 1984 and later served in the Senate of Canada from 1996 to 1999 after being appointed by Prime Minister Jean Chretien, capping a political career built around representing organized agriculture in national policy.